Key Camera angles - Video Filming angles. Match On Action, Shot/ Reverse shot and The 180 Degree Rule

For this preliminary task I have been asked to research three different video editing techniques;

• Match on action
• Shot/reverse shot
• The 180 degree rule

Match On Action          

Match on action (or cutting on action) is a technique used in continuity editing, it is a cut that connects two different views of the same action at the same moment in the movement. Match on action creates a sense of continuity - the action carrying through creates a "visual bridge" which draws the attention away from slight cutting or continuity issues, match on action portrays a continuous sense of the same action rather than matching two separate things. 

Examples of match on action;

Match On Action - Example 1

Match On Action - Example 2


 

Shot/Reverse Shot

A shot/reverse shot is an editing technique used in conversations or when characters are looking at each other or objects. A shot showing what the character is looking at is followed by a reverse angle shot of the character themselves looking at it, or of the other character looking back at them. Shot/reverse shot often ties in with the 180 degree rule as it retains continuity by not distorting the audience's sense of location of the characters in the shots.


Examples of shot/reverse shot;

Shot/reverse shot - Example 1


Shot/reverse shot - Example 2

The 180 degree Rule

The 180 degree rule states that camera(s) should remain the same side of the imaginary line, the line is drawn perpendicular to the camera's viewpoint in the establishing shot of the scene, the rule also enforces continuity of the film. The rule should never be broken and the only reason one would need to break this rule is 'for effect' and breaking the rule will confuse the audience, especially in scenes of chase, conversation etc. You have to make sure that you don't cross the line when filming over the shoulder shots as this will mean that actors eye lines will not match and it will look like the actor is looking in the opposite direction. By breaking the rule this will mean that the audience will become confused and lose focus and become disorientated and they will miss vital parts of the film.



Examples of the 180 degree rule;

180 Degree Rule - Example 1

180 Degree Rule - Example 2